Religion and Politics: Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

In my experience, when it comes to religion and politics, most people cannot have objective conversions. I include myself in this group as well. I grew up in the panhandle of Florida, traditionally a very conservative part of the country due to its proximity to Alabama. I heard all the racist jokes and got screamed at by Baptist preachers all the time. I know the drill. Sin on Saturday, Pray on Sunday. To this day, my hometown of Pensacola is know for three things: white beaches, hurricanes, and abortion clinic killings. All the 23 years that I lived there I was counting the minutes until I could leave and go to a more forward-thinking city. Well, I finally did it. After college, I moved to Tampa and married my wife, who is Asian. I vowed to try new experiences and cultures. Over the years, I've changed from a conservative to not-quite-a-liberal. I've visited several countries, ate food I never thought I would, and now work in an inner city school. I've seen and experienced things that I never would have if I had stayed in Pensacola. And the more I experience, the more liberal I become. So when it comes to politics, I have very strong opinions. Unfortunately, I now live in a city that is very conservative, both in religion and politics. Expressing my views openly has gotten me into many ugly arguments with conservatives. For that reason, I am very reluctant to discuss religion and politics with anyone. The main reason is that tempers and emotions tend to cloud the discussions. In my experience, too many people scorn you when you do not agree with their religious or political beliefs. I think that is very wrong. In this county, we have more freedoms than anywhere on earth. I do no understand why people are constantly trying to change my mind about religion and politics. To me, these are personal and private choices that are no one else's business. If I'm interested in your candidate, I will go to one of his/her speeches and listen. If I'm curious about your church, I will come visit on Sunday. Do not knock on my door or call me on the phone unannounced and try to sway me. I find that insulting and an invasion of my privacy.
Part of what makes this country great is the enormous diversity of culture and thought. We need to recognize just because we disagree with someone on a political or religious basis, that doesn't mean they are the enemy. We have so many intelligent, caring people in this country who have great ideas, no matter where they come from. Let's work together instead of tearing each other down.